Cleveland Museum of Art

Planning a Day at the Museum and Around University Circle

The museum's collection spans thousands of years and nearly every corner of the world, so it helps to arrive with a loose plan rather than trying to see everything at once. Many visitors start with a few highlights, such as the armor court, the European paintings galleries or the ancient Egyptian and Asian collections, and then wander wherever curiosity leads. The building itself is part of the experience. The original Beaux-Arts structure faces the Fine Arts Garden and Wade Lagoon, and a later expansion added a large glass-covered atrium that works well as a meeting point and a place to rest between galleries.

Practical tips for visiting

• Check hours before you go. Opening days and times can change, and some evenings offer extended hours. The museum's official website has current information.
• Special exhibitions may be ticketed. General admission to the permanent collection is free, but touring or special shows sometimes carry a separate charge. Booking ahead is wise on weekends.
• Leave time for the grounds. The south lawn, the lagoon and the walk toward Wade Oval are lovely in spring and autumn, and they make a good break from indoor viewing.
• Plan your transport. University Circle can be reached by car, with paid parking on site and nearby, or by public transit. The HealthLine bus rapid transit runs along Euclid Avenue, and there is a Red Line rail station in the area.

Making it a full day

University Circle has one of the densest clusters of cultural institutions in the Midwest. Within a short walk you will find the natural history museum, the historical society and Severance Music Center, the home of the Cleveland Orchestra. Little Italy sits just up the hill and is a popular stop for lunch or an evening cannoli. If you are building a longer Cleveland itinerary, browse our destination guides for ideas, or look through other places we've written about to fill out a weekend.

Families should know that the museum has offered interactive spaces aimed at younger visitors, and quieter weekday mornings tend to suit anyone who wants a slower pace among the galleries.